reporter: at the chamber of commerce they point to a lowering unemployment rate and more jobs led by tech, healthcare and tourism. where will they all sleep in where are they going to recline? on their power recliner? >> we're cautiously optimistic. >> reporter: that they will be buying such things at bassett furniture. bay area general manager john candell is overseeing expansion another store for the chain about to open in san jose. it's a big gamble others may not be willing to take. >> we see the housing starts and the refreshment of i guess remodels and items like that, it's turning around. >> consumer sentiment is very strong right now. small businesses seem to be quite optimistic. >> reporter: economist at santa clara university says sitting back can cost you but, of course, so can expanding. >> if you bet wrong and demand is strong, you competitors will have the capacity to satisfy their consumers probably at lower costs. on the other hand, if we go into another recession and you have expanded your capacity you'll be saddled with all that debt. >> reporter: things that keep small business own